Acts 27:38

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Acts 27:38 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

After the men had eaten their fill, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

King James Version KJV

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

American Standard Version ASV

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when they had had enough food, they made the weight of the ship less, turning the grain out into the sea.

Free Bible Version FBV

Once they'd had enough to eat, the crew made the ship lighter by throwing the supplies of wheat overboard.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And whe they had eaten ynough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and having eaten sufficient nourishment, they were lightening the ship, casting forth the wheat into the sea.

World English Bible WEB

When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast the wheat into the sea.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, casting the wheat into the sea.

Translation for Translators T4T

When everyone had eaten as much as they wanted, they threw the grain that the ship was carrying into the sea, and this made the ship lighter.

Plain English Version PEV

Everyone ate as much as they wanted, then they threw all the bags of food out of the ship into the sea, and that made the ship a bit lighter.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 27:38

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Acts 27:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK κορεσθεντες δε της τροφης εκουφιζον το πλοιον εκβαλλομενοι τον σιτον εις την θαλασσαν

κορεσθεντες korennumi G2880 to satisfy Verb-APP-NPM

δε de G1161 then Conj

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

τροφης trophē G5160 food Noun-GSF

εκουφιζον kouphizō G2893 to lighten Verb-IAI-3P

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

πλοιον ploion G4143 boat Noun-ASN

εκβαλλομενοι ekballō G1544 to expel Verb-PMP-NPM

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

σιτον sitos G4621 grain Noun-ASM

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

θαλασσαν thalassa G2281 sea Noun-ASF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 27:38

κορεσθεντες korennumi G2880 "to satisfy" Verb-APP-NPM

To eat until full, as in Acts 27:38 where the sailors eat enough food to regain their strength, or to be satisfied spiritually, as in 1 Corinthians 4:8.

Definition: κορέννυμι (κόρος, surfeit), [in Symmachus.: Psa.22:27, Al, Psa.103:5 * ;] to satisfy: pass., τροφῆς, Act.27:38; metaphorically, of spiritual things, 1Co.4:8.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: eat enough, full See also: 1 Corinthians 4:8; Acts 27:38.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

τροφης trophē G5160 "food" Noun-GSF

This word refers to food or nourishment, whether physical or spiritual. It's used in Matthew 3:4 and John 4:8 to describe physical food, and in Hebrews 5:12 to describe spiritual nourishment.

Definition: τροφή, -ῆς, ἡ (τρέφω), [in LXX for לֶחֶם, מָזוֹן, אֹכֶל, etc. ;] nourishment, food: Mat.3:4 6:25 10:10 24:45, Luk.12:23, Jhn.4:8, Act.2:46 9:19 14:17 27:33-34, 36 27:38 Jas.2:15. Metaphorical: Heb.5:12, 14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: food, meat See also: Acts 2:46; Hebrews 5:14; Hebrews 5:12.

εκουφιζον kouphizō G2893 "to lighten" Verb-IAI-3P

To 'kouphizo' means to lighten or unload something, as seen in Acts 27:38 when the crew threw food overboard to lighten the ship during a storm. This action helped the ship stay afloat.

Definition: κουφίζω (κοῦφος, light), [in LXX: Exo.18:22, Jon.1.5, al. (קָלַל hi.), Est.5:1, al. ;] __1. intrans., to be light (poetic chiefly). __2. to lighten, make light: with accusative, Act.27:38.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: lighten See also: Acts 27:38.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πλοιον ploion G4143 "boat" Noun-ASN

This word refers to a boat or ship, like the ones mentioned in Matthew 4:21-22 where Jesus calls his disciples. It's a vessel for sailing or traveling on water, used for transportation or fishing. This word is commonly used in the Gospels and Acts.

Definition: πλοῖον, -ον, τό (πλέω), [in LXX chiefly for אֳנִיָּה ;] a boat, also (= obsolete ναῦς) a ship: Mat.4:21-22, and frequently in Gosp. and Ac, Jas.3:4, Rev.8:9 18:19. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 63 NT verses. KJV: ship(-ing) See also: Acts 20:13; Luke 8:37; James 3:4.

εκβαλλομενοι ekballō G1544 "to expel" Verb-PMP-NPM

To expel means to forcefully drive or send something out, as seen in Matthew 7:22 and Mark 1:34. Jesus used this word when describing casting out demons. It can also mean to send away or put out, as in Matthew 15:17.

Definition: ἐκ-βάλλω [in LXX chiefly for גָּרַשׁ pi., also for שָׁלַךְ hi., יָצָא hi., יָרַשׁ hi., etc. ;] __1. to drive, cast or send out, to expel: with accusative of thing(s), mid. (σῖτον), before εἰς, Act.27:38; pass., Mat.15:17; with accusative of person(s), Mat.21:12, Mrk.11:15, al.; δαιμόνια, Mat.7:22, Mrk.1:34, al.; id. before ἐκ, Mrk.7:26; παρά, Mrk.16:9; ἐν, Mrk.3:22; (ἐν) τ. ὀνόματι, Mat.7:22, Mrk.9:38; λόγῳ, Mat.8:16; before ἔξω, Jhn.6:37; id. with genitive, Mrk.12:8, al.; of expulsion from home, Gal.4:30; from the Church, III Jn 10. __2. In LXX and NT (like Heb. יָצָא and Aram. הַנְפֵּק), to command or cause to depart: Mat.9:38, Mrk.1:12 (see Swete, in l.), ib. Mrk.1:43 5:40, Luk.10:2, Jas.2:25; τ. κρίσιν εἰς νῖκος (to cause to proceed to its goal), Mat.12:20 (LXX). __3. to reject (cl.): τ. ὄνομα ὑμῶς ὡς πονηρόν (cf. Deu.25:14), Luk.6:22; to leave out, Rev.11:2. __4. to take, draw or pluck out; __(a) with violence: Mat.7:5, Mrk.9:47, Luk.6:42; __(b) to bring forth or out of: Mat.12:35, Luk.10:35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 76 NT verses. KJV: bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out), expel, leave, pluck (pull, take, thrust) out, put forth (out), send away (forth, out) See also: 3 John 1:10; Mark 3:23; James 2:25.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σιτον sitos G4621 "grain" Noun-ASM

This word means grain, especially wheat. It is used in many parts of the New Testament, including Matthew 3:12 and Luke 12:18, to describe wheat or corn. The KJV translation is 'corn' or 'wheat'.

Definition: σῖτος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for דָּגָן ;] wheat, corn: Mat.3:12 13:25, 29-30 Mrk.4:28, Luk.3:17 12:18 16:7 22:32, Jhn.12:24, Act.27:38, 1Co.15:37, Rev.6:6 18:13.† σιτίοι, -ου, τό (dimin. of σῖτος), [in LXX: Pro.30:22 (לֶחֶם)* ;] __1. corn, grain: Act.7:12 (but see 131., § 9, 1). __2. Mostly in pl., σιτία, bread, food, provisions (LXX, l.with, Hdt., al.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: corn, wheat See also: 1 Corinthians 15:37; Mark 4:28; Revelation 6:6.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θαλασσαν thalassa G2281 "sea" Noun-ASF

The Greek word for sea, used in the Bible to describe large bodies of water like the Mediterranean or Red Sea, as seen in Acts 10:6 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-2.

Definition: θάλασσα, -ης, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for יָם ;] the sea: Mat.23:15, Mrk.11:23, Luk.21:25, Rom.9:27, Heb.11:12, Jas.1:6, Ju 13, Rev.7:1, al.; τὸ πέλαγος τῆς θ. (see Tr., ut infr.), Mat.18:6; ὁ οὐρανὸς κ. ἡ γῆ κ. ἡ θ., of the whole world, Act.4:24, al. (Hag.2:7); θ. ὑαλίνη, Rev.4:6 15:2; of the Mediterranean, Act.10:6, 32 17:14; of the Red Sea, ἐρυθρὰ θ., Act.7:36, 1Co.10:1-2, Heb.11:20; of an inland lake (as Heb. יָם), θ. τ. Γαλιλαίας, Mat.4:18 15:29, Mrk.1:16 7:31; τ. Τιβεριάδος, Jhn.21:1; τ. Γ. τ. T., Jhn.6:1; of the same, simply ἡ θ., Mat.4:15, Mrk.2:13, al SYN.: πέλαγος, the vast expanse of open water"; θ., "the sea as contrasted with the land" (Tr., Syn., xiii) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 83 NT verses. KJV: sea See also: 1 Corinthians 10:1; Mark 7:31; Hebrews 11:12.

Study Notes — Acts 27:38

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 27:38 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 27:38
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 27:38
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 27:38
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 27:38
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 27:38
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 27:38
Cambridge Bible on Acts 27:38
Barnes' Notes on Acts 27:38
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 27:38
Sermons on Acts 27:38

Context — The Shipwreck

36They were all encouraged and took some food themselves. 37In all, there were 276 of us on board.

38After the men had eaten their fill, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

39When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they sighted a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40Cutting away the anchors, they left them in the sea as they loosened the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jonah 1:5	The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
2	Matthew 6:25	Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
3	Acts 27:18–19	We were tossed so violently that the next day the men began to jettison the cargo. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.
4	Matthew 16:26	What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
5	Hebrews 12:1	Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
6	Job 2:4	“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give up all he owns in exchange for his life.

Acts 27:38 Summary

In Acts 27:38, the men on the ship threw the grain into the sea to make the ship lighter and safer. This was a hard decision, but it was necessary to save their lives. It's like when we need to let go of things that are weighing us down, so we can move forward and trust in God's plan, as seen in Matthew 14:25-33. By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, we can find peace and safety, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, just like the men in Acts 27:38 and the disciples in Matthew 14:25-33.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the men on the ship throw the grain into the sea?

The men threw the grain into the sea to lighten the ship, which was likely taking on water and in danger of sinking, as seen in Acts 27:38. This act was a desperate attempt to save the ship and the lives of those on board, much like the actions of the disciples in Matthew 14:25-33 when they were caught in a storm on the lake.

Was throwing the grain into the sea a waste of resources?

While it may seem like a waste, throwing the grain into the sea was a necessary act to save the ship and the people on it, as stated in Acts 27:38. This decision was made after the men had eaten their fill, indicating that they were using the resources they had to sustain themselves before taking drastic measures, similar to the principle of prudent stewardship found in Matthew 25:14-30.

What can we learn from the men's actions in this verse?

The men's actions in Acts 27:38 demonstrate the importance of taking bold and sometimes difficult steps in times of crisis, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 107:23-30. This verse also highlights the value of selfless sacrifice, as the men prioritized the safety of the ship and its passengers over the preservation of their cargo.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Acts 27?

Acts 27:38 is a pivotal moment in the story of Paul's journey to Rome, as it shows the desperate measures the men took to survive the storm, ultimately leading to their shipwreck on the island of Malta, as described in Acts 27:39-44 and Acts 28:1. This event showcases God's protection and provision, even in the midst of turmoil, as seen in Acts 27:24.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to 'lighten the load' and trust in God's provision, just like the men in Acts 27:38?
How can I apply the principle of selfless sacrifice, as seen in Acts 27:38, to my own life and relationships?
What role does faith play in times of crisis, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, as demonstrated in Acts 27:38 and Psalm 107:23-30?
In what ways can I prioritize the well-being and safety of those around me, just like the men on the ship prioritized the safety of their fellow passengers?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 27:38

And when they had eaten enough,....] Were satisfied, having eaten a full meal: they lightened the ship; of its burden, that it might the better carry them to the shore, and that by the following

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 27:38

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 27:38

Cast out the wheat, the provision they had for their sustenance. This is the third time that they lightened the ship, being willing that all their goods should perish for them, rather than with them. Or these heathens were so far persuaded by St. Paul, that they ventured their lives upon the credit of what he had foretold them; and parted with their food, and all they had to live upon, only upon his word, that they should want them in the ship no more.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 27:38

38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. Ver. 38. Cast out the wheat] Fastidientes divinum verbum, et damnum et dedecus pall oportet. "Behold! they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them?" Jeremiah 8:9.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 27:38

(38) And when they had eaten enough . . .—More accurately, when they were filled with food. The words describe a full and hearty meal. The first effect of this was seen in renewed activity for work. In spite of all that had been done before (Acts 27:18-19), the ship still needed to be lightened. The tense implies a process of some continuance. The “wheat” which they now cast out may have been part of the cargo which had been reserved by way of provisions. As it was clear that they could no longer continue in the ship, this was no longer required, and the one essential point was to keep her floating till they reached the shore.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 27:38

Verse 38. They lightened the ship] They hoped that, by casting out the lading, the ship would draw less water; in consequence of which, they could get nearer the shore.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 27:38

38. And when they had eaten enough] Gk. “And having been satisfied with food.” When they had satisfied their present need, there was no use in trying to save more of the food which they had. So they set about lightening the ship. This is implied by the tense of the verb, and the next clause tells us the way they did it. They cast into the sea the corn which had been the first cargo of the vessel from Alexandria. No doubt this was the heaviest part of the freight, and would relieve the vessel greatly.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 27:38

They lightened the ship - By casting the wheat into the sea. As they had no hope of saving the cargo, and had no further use for it, they hoped that by throwing the wheat overboard the ship would

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 27:38

38. Eaten enough—So as to have full strength for the task. Wheat—They threw over the grain, as aware that the ship must go to pieces, and that the rescue of life would be easier by lessening the weight of the ship.

Sermons on Acts 27:38

	Sermon	Description
	A Craving for the Presence - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving the presence of the Lord amidst challenging times, highlighting the need to prioritize seeking God's presence over solely relying o
	Without Fault Before the Throne of God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to seek cleansing and purity in their hearts. He emphasizes the importance of being able to stand before God and give an acc
	The Voice of the Soul by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the rich man from the book of Luke. The rich man had a bountiful harvest and decided to tear down his barns and build bigger
	Cfo Life From Frustration to Adventure by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their mission and the challenges they face in their faith journey. They discuss the importance of having faith and trusting in God's provisi
	The Triumphant Christ by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Goliath from the Old Testament. He emphasizes that this story is not just a historical event, but a powerful illustrat
	(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 1: A New Covenant Privilege by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on Jesus' teachings in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, known as the Sermon on the Mount. The speaker highlights the challenge of living up to the
	Could Times Get Rough Before the Rapture? by Bryan Denlinger	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and how it is heading towards a tipping point. They emphasize the importance of being prepared for the changes